Thinking of the hardships and sacrifices of the past several thousand years, and the returns so disproportionate to them, Hua Yao's heart grew a little heavier.
"Don't be fooled by my status as the headmaster of Heavenly God Academy and my great reputation. In truth, I do not hold much real power. Those Aristocratic Clans would never allow me to extend my hand too far."
During her years as headmaster, she had not truly been happy. What she did, more or less, infringed upon the interests of the Five Great Families, drawing their displeasure and warnings.
Yet because she handled matters thoroughly and with great restraint, she had gradually accumulated some prestige. So long as she did not go too far, the Five Great Families were willing to turn a blind eye.
Xu Chunniang praised her sincerely. "Headmaster, you are truly remarkable."
Hua Yao shook her head, disappointment filling her heart.
"You think too highly of me. In truth, I have done nothing. Even when you planned to resist the Five Great Families, I lacked the courage to step forward and face them alongside you."
She had spent a long time at the academy and had grown fond of this peaceful life. Once she chose a side, everything she had painstakingly gained today would likely go up in smoke.
This was the small measure of rights she had fought for over several thousand years on behalf of the human Rogue Cultivators. If she lost, the current balance within Heavenly God Academy would undoubtedly be shattered, regressing to what it had been thousands of years ago.
"I understand Headmaster's choice and what you have held fast to. Naturally, I will not make things difficult for you. In fact, from the very beginning, I intended to do this alone."
"But your opponents